Giant freshwater prawns are cultured extensively in South and Southeast Asia. Like marine shrimp, they raise welfare questions given growing evidence of crustacean pain capacity.
Freshwater prawns in intensive culture experience crowding stress that drives significant aggression and limb loss. Dominant males establish hierarchies through fighting that injures subordinate animals. Harvest involves crowding into nets at high density, causing acute stress and physical trauma. Transport in water with declining oxygen causes respiratory distress. Slaughter by submersion in ice or boiling exposes animals to a prolonged dying process. The welfare evidence for crustaceans supports improving these practices as a matter of precaution.